The Sports Xchange
Dec 30, 2017
Keita Bates-Diop had 19 points, five blocks and nine rebounds, and C.J. Jackson went 4 of 6 from 3-point range, as Ohio State beat Miami University 72-59 on Saturday afternoon at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
Jackson's defense also was critical as he drew offensive fouls on consecutive Miami possessions to help turn the tide back in the Buckeyes' favor after Miami erased most a double-digit deficit.
The Buckeyes (11-4) used a 9-0 run in the second half to open a 17-point lead at 49-32 and it appeared a blowout was on tap.
But the RedHawks (7-6) had other ideas. A steal by Darrian Ringo, a 3-pointer from Bam Bowman and Nike Sibande's dunk on consecutive possessions sliced the lead to 10 at 49-39.
Micah Potter's free throw ended the Ohio State drought, but the RedHawks' kept pushing and cut the deficit to 56-52 at the 6:49 mark.
Ohio State capitalized on Jackson's defensive plays and went on an 8-0 run to open up a 64-55 lead with 3:55 left.
Kam Williams scored 15 points for Ohio State, while Jackson added 16 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Ringo compiled 16 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Bowman finished with 15 points and Sibande had 14.
Ohio State took a 35-28 lead into halftime. Both teams shot 38.5 percent from the field as the RedHawks and the Buckeyes each sank 10-of-26 shots.
The difference in the first half: Ohio State made 11 of 13 free throw attempts, while Miami was only 3 of 4 from the foul line.
The RedHawks open MAC play on Tuesday when they travel to Bowling Green to take on the Falcons. Ohio State travels to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes on Thursday.